Leinster
Leinster is situated in the southeast and east of Ireland and comprises the counties of Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow. Leinster is rich with medieval castles, sport, and theater, and is home to Ireland’s capital, Dublin City. Dublin, originally founded by the Vikings, is rich in historical locations and cultural events.
Things to Do…
Dublin
The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is situated at the head of Dublin Bay of the Irish Sea and is the country’s chief port, centre of financial and commercial power, and seat of culture. There is so much to do and see in Dublin that you could easily spend the majority of your time here. Whether you want to party at the Temple Bar, go back in time with a tour of Dublin castle or marvel at the beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, there’s something in Dublin for everyone. Other popular sights include the Guinness Storehouse, St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College Library, Kilmainham Gaol, and Grafton Street.
Kilkenny
Considered to be Ireland’s “heritage city”, Kilkenny is home to one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ireland, the 12th century Kilkenny Castle. Go back in time and explore Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a discovery trail running through Kilkenny city linking the 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral to the Anglo-Norman Castle and everything in between from Rothe House and Gardens, the Medieval Mile Museum to Butler House. Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, with many festivals, eateries and creative people resulting in an electric atmosphere.
Wicklow Mountains
Wicklow Mountains National Park is situated just south of Dublin and has the distinction of being the largest of Ireland’s six National Parks. Upland blanket bog and heath cover the upland slopes and rounded peaks. The wide open vistas are interrupted only by forestry plantations and narrow winding mountain roads. At the south end of the park lies the spellbinding settlement called Glendalough. Here you’ll find one of the most important ancient monastic sites in Ireland. Powerscourt House and Garden is also located in Wicklow as is the Powerscourt Waterfall.
Newgrange
Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, it is the jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. A large circular mound, 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high with a 19m (63ft) stone passageway and chambers inside, Newgrange was built by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.